COST vs WMT: Costco Wholesale Corporation vs Walmart Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This COST vs WMT comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Costco Wholesale Corporation and Walmart Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Costco Wholesale Corporation and Walmart Inc. have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 40-year comparison period, Costco Wholesale Corporation outperformed Walmart Inc. in 23 years, while Walmart Inc. outperformed Costco Wholesale Corporation in 17 years.
COST - Costco Wholesale Corporation
WMT - Walmart Inc.
Overall Winner: WMT with an average annual return of 18.19% (vs 16.01% for COST)
Understanding COST vs WMT Performance
When comparing Costco Wholesale Corporation and Walmart Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Costco Wholesale Corporation grew to $1,196,424, compared to $2,385,089 for Walmart Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | COST Return | COST Cumulative | WMT Return | WMT Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | -25.57% | $7,443.18 | +51.78% | $15,178.07 | -77.35% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1988 | -1.87% | $7,303.80 | +11.69% | $16,952.26 | -13.56% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1989 | +11.94% | $8,175.89 | +15.76% | $19,623.35 | -3.82% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1990 | +25.00% | $10,219.86 | +48.56% | $29,151.76 | -23.56% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1991 | -15.59% | $8,626.44 | +29.04% | $37,616.86 | -44.63% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1992 | +29.68% | $11,186.55 | +97.00% | $74,105.66 | -67.32% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1993 | -27.50% | $8,110.25 | +8.64% | $80,511.05 | -36.14% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1994 | +6.57% | $8,643.45 | -20.12% | $64,312.01 | +26.69% (COST) | COST |
| 1995 | -32.68% | $5,818.79 | -16.10% | $53,956.67 | -16.58% (WMT) | WMT |
| 1996 | +18.45% | $6,892.16 | +7.45% | $57,974.27 | +11.00% (COST) | COST |
| 1997 | +63.41% | $11,262.80 | -1.34% | $57,197.83 | +64.75% (COST) | COST |
| 1998 | +83.08% | $20,619.58 | +72.82% | $98,849.22 | +10.26% (COST) | COST |
| 1999 | +64.06% | $33,829.01 | +107.89% | $205,501.68 | -43.83% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2000 | +27.62% | $43,173.37 | +72.17% | $353,803.09 | -44.54% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2001 | -10.25% | $38,746.87 | -20.11% | $282,649.89 | +9.86% (COST) | COST |
| 2002 | +7.75% | $41,750.19 | +7.43% | $303,655.49 | +0.32% (COST) | COST |
| 2003 | -36.87% | $26,355.68 | -12.52% | $265,623.88 | -24.35% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2004 | +28.16% | $33,778.17 | +3.50% | $274,921.50 | +24.66% (COST) | COST |
| 2005 | +34.25% | $45,346.49 | +1.95% | $280,277.89 | +32.30% (COST) | COST |
| 2006 | +4.29% | $47,292.76 | -11.19% | $248,918.62 | +15.48% (COST) | COST |
| 2007 | +6.94% | $50,572.89 | +1.37% | $252,321.93 | +5.57% (COST) | COST |
| 2008 | +33.30% | $67,412.06 | +1.87% | $257,037.19 | +31.43% (COST) | COST |
| 2009 | -22.18% | $52,459.18 | +21.62% | $312,600.15 | -43.80% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2010 | +12.50% | $59,015.66 | -4.49% | $298,560.05 | +16.99% (COST) | COST |
| 2011 | +23.18% | $72,695.00 | +1.73% | $303,739.87 | +21.44% (COST) | COST |
| 2012 | +16.32% | $84,561.74 | +12.53% | $341,799.29 | +3.79% (COST) | COST |
| 2013 | +26.45% | $106,931.43 | +15.88% | $396,089.60 | +10.57% (COST) | COST |
| 2014 | +18.57% | $126,785.66 | +16.44% | $461,207.05 | +2.13% (COST) | COST |
| 2015 | +21.70% | $154,295.10 | +11.56% | $514,517.94 | +10.14% (COST) | COST |
| 2016 | +19.06% | $183,707.62 | -26.65% | $377,379.93 | +45.72% (COST) | COST |
| 2017 | +1.51% | $186,481.06 | +15.73% | $436,738.53 | -14.22% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2018 | +22.66% | $228,743.60 | +47.54% | $644,375.46 | -24.88% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2019 | +9.31% | $250,033.35 | -3.28% | $623,270.55 | +12.58% (COST) | COST |
| 2020 | +44.95% | $362,432.26 | +29.90% | $809,616.39 | +15.06% (COST) | COST |
| 2021 | +33.77% | $484,834.15 | +23.22% | $997,598.72 | +10.55% (COST) | COST |
| 2022 | +50.48% | $729,555.46 | +0.31% | $1,000,736.77 | +50.16% (COST) | COST |
| 2023 | -18.91% | $591,608.25 | -0.44% | $996,370.40 | -18.47% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2024 | +50.06% | $887,781.39 | +11.46% | $1,110,540.70 | +38.60% (COST) | COST |
| 2025 | +41.65% | $1,257,508.93 | +72.20% | $1,912,361.41 | -30.55% (WMT) | WMT |
| 2026 | -4.86% | $1,196,424.39 | +24.72% | $2,385,089.02 | -29.58% (WMT) | WMT |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means COST outperformed WMT that year.
Company Profiles
Costco Wholesale Corporation
COST
Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box warehouse clubs. The company offers a wide range of quality, brand-name merchandise at discounted prices to its members.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered the membership-only warehouse club model, offering bulk quantities of merchandise at competitive prices.
- ✓Developed a strong private label brand, Kirkland Signature, known for its quality and value.
Business Segments
- WarehousesOperates membership-only warehouse clubs that offer a wide variety of products.
- Ancillary BusinessesIncludes self-service gasoline stations, pharmacies, optical centers, food courts, and other services offered at or near warehouses.
- E-commerceOperates online retail websites, primarily in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia.
Walmart Inc.
WMT
Walmart Inc. is the world's largest retailer, operating as a multi-channel global enterprise that helps people save money and live better. The company follows a 'people-led, tech-powered' strategy, integrating its massive physical footprint of over 10,500 stores with a rapidly growing e-commerce and digital services ecosystem. As of 2026, Walmart is a dominant force in grocery, general merchandise, and pharmacy, while aggressively expanding into high-margin revenue streams such as retail media (Walmart Connect), third-party marketplaces, and automated fulfillment services. Its business model centers on 'Every Day Low Price' (EDLP) supported by one of the most sophisticated supply chain and logistics infrastructures in the world.
Key Innovations
- ✓Cross-Docking Logistics: A pioneer in efficient distribution that minimizes warehouse storage time.
- ✓Retail Link: A revolutionary proprietary data system that allows suppliers to track their own products in real-time.
- ✓AI-Powered 'Agentic' Shopping: Integration of autonomous AI agents that handle discovery, price comparison, and purchasing for customers.
- ✓Drone Delivery: Rapid expansion of aerial delivery services reaching millions of U.S. households.
- ✓Automated Market Fulfillment Centers (MFCs): Integration of modular, robotic retrieval systems within existing retail stores for ultra-fast picking.
- ✓Walmart Connect: A sophisticated closed-loop advertising platform that leverages first-party shopper data.
- ✓Vizio Integration: Strategic use of SmartCast OS for shoppable TV and enhanced data analytics following the 2024 acquisition.
Business Segments
- Walmart U.S.The largest segment, operating retail stores under the 'Walmart' and 'Walmart Neighborhood Market' brands in the U.S., as well as its domestic e-commerce business. It is a leader in grocery, which accounts for more than half of its domestic sales.
- Walmart InternationalConsists of operations in 18 countries outside the U.S., including wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures. Key markets include Mexico (Walmex), Canada, China, and a majority stake in India's Flipkart.
- Sam's ClubA membership-only warehouse club that operates in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, as well as online. It focuses on providing high-volume, high-value products to both individual members and small business owners.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.